Eastern Bridge provides a specialised International Relations Service for New Zealand local governments, council-controlled organisations, iwi, and community organisations.
Since 2014, we’ve acted as an outsourced foreign affairs office, helping our clients develop and manage strategic international relationships that support local goals across economic development, youth opportunity, and community exchange.
Our services are built on long-standing experience in the sector and a deep understanding of local government processes, council priorities, and regional development challenges. We work closely with each client to ensure international engagement is meaningful, achievable, and aligned with their broader strategies.
Who We Work With
Eastern Bridge has provided international engagement services to over 36 councils and regional organisations, including:
- Local councils
- Economic development agencies
- Regional tourism organisations
- Council-controlled organisations
- Iwi and hapū-based entities
- Community and youth development groups
Our Focus Areas
We support international engagement under three core pillars:
Economic Development
- Trade and export support
- International investment attraction
- Tourism and hospitality promotion
- Agribusiness development
- International student recruitment
Youth Development
- Cross-cultural education opportunities
- Scholarship access and facilitation
- International exchanges (e.g. sports, music, environmental programmes)
- Online and in-person youth engagement projects
Community and Cultural Exchange
- Sister city relationship strategy and activation
- Delegation hosting and exchange programme design
- Support for local community engagement with international partners
- Cross-cultural events and communications
What we offer
We tailor our services to the specific needs and capacities of each client. This may involve:
- Strategic Planning
Development or review of international strategies aligned with council or iwi priorities. - Project Delivery
Management and execution of defined international projects, including tourism campaigns, education exchanges, or investment attraction efforts. - Training and Capacity Building
Asia-readiness training for staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders. - Delegation Planning and Management
Organisation of inbound and outbound visits, including itinerary development, logistics, translation, and reporting.
- Multilingual and Cross-Cultural Marketing
Design and delivery of culturally sensitive communications to engage target international markets. - Background Checks and Due Diligence
Support in assessing inbound investment opportunities and identifying credible partners. - Consulting and Advisory
Ongoing advice and support for international initiatives, funding applications, and relationship management. - Procurement and Trade Support
Assistance with offshore procurement and product placement in overseas markets (particularly Asia).
Our Markets and Reach
Eastern Bridge specialises in engagement with Asia, particularly:
- China (where we maintain an office in Beijing to support offshore activities)
- South Korea
- Japan
- Vietnam and Thailand
We are well-versed in the diplomatic, cultural, and commercial protocols necessary to ensure success in these markets. Our experience ranges from trade and tourism missions to education exchanges and community partnerships.
Flexible Engagement and Pricing
Historically, Eastern Bridge offered services on a monthly management fee basis. However, recognising the increasing financial constraints faced by councils and community organisations, we now offer flexible engagement models, including:
- Project-based work: Define the objective and deliver a scoped, costed solution.
- Performance-based arrangements: In some cases, we charge only upon successful outcomes.
- Commission or success fee structures: For commercially-oriented initiatives such as trade or student recruitment.
This approach reduces financial risk for our clients and ensures that our focus remains on delivering real, measurable results.
Our Advantage
With over a decade of experience, a broad international network, and deep familiarity with the workings of local government, Eastern Bridge offers a uniquely effective solution for regional organisations seeking to expand their global footprint. Whether it’s facilitating an overseas delegation, developing a long-term international strategy, or turning a dormant sister city relationship into a platform for trade and education, we bring practical capability, proven experience, and a clear understanding of what works.
Our IR Team
Simon Appleton 方志杰
Eastern Bridge Founder and International Relations Consultant
Eastern Bridge’s International Relations Services are led by Simon Appleton, founder and principal consultant. Simon is a fluent speaker of Mandarin and Korean, with extensive experience working across China, South Korea, and New Zealand. He holds a Master’s in Chinese Law from Renmin University and a Bachelor’s from Victoria University of Wellington, with a strong professional background in local government administration, international relations, and cross-cultural engagement.
Simon is supported by a broader team of specialists, including experts in strategy, translation, marketing, education, and delegation logistics. Each engagement is matched with the right skills—ensuring our clients receive practical, culturally fluent, and professional support.